Portable Multi-Display Device

ABSTRACT

A separable portable multi-display device is provided. A portable multi-display device includes a main body panel housing having a first display, a sub-panel housing having a second display, and a coupling device for coupling the main body panel housing to the sub-panel housing such that at least one sides of the first display and the second display can contact each other. The panel housings are separable from and connectable to each other, a range of a border between the displays when the panel housings are interconnected being minimized so that the displays can be shown as if it is driven as a single screen.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a portable multi-display device and,more particularly, to a portable multi-display device having a main bodypanel housing and a sub-panel housing each having a display, andcoupling means, the panel housings being separately interconnected byconnecting means.

BACKGROUND ART

A method for realizing a single large-sized screen by use of at leasttwo displays has been used for a large size display device. Generally, aflat display is used for a portable display device. An LCD (LiquidCrystal Display), an FED (Field Emission Display), a PDP (Plasma DisplayPanel), an EL (Electro Luminescent) are well known as the flat display.

In recent years, since new functions such as a wireless Internet havebeen added to the portable display device, a display device having alarge-sized screen has been required. However, such a large-sizedportable display has a problem of its mobility due to its overall size.To overcome this problem, a foldable multi-display device has beenproposed.

In the foldable multi-display device, more than two displays areinterconnected to be foldable, but not separable. That is, theseparation and connection of the displays cannot be flexibly realized.For example, it is impossible for a user to carry only one display,deteriorating the mobility and convenience that are the inherentproperties of the portable display device.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Therefore, the present invention has been made in an effort to solve theabove-described problems.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a portablemulti-display device having a main body panel housing and a sub-panelhousing each having a display, the panel housings being designed to beseparable from and connectable to each other, a range of a borderbetween the displays being minimized when the panel housings areinterconnected so that the displays can be shown as if it is driven as asingle screen.

To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides aportable multi-display device comprising a main body panel housinghaving a first display; a sub-panel housing having a second display; andcoupling means for coupling the main body panel housing to the sub-panelhousing such that at least one sides of the first display and the seconddisplay can contact each other.

A side portion of the main body panel housing and a side portion of thefirst display are disposed on a same plane.

A separable cover is formed on the main body panel housing and the coveris provided with an input key. The cover can be formed in a foldabletype.

When the main body panel housing is coupled to the sub-panel housing, atleast one of the main and sub displays slides to be disposed adjacent toanother display.

The sub-panel housing comprises outer coupling means to which electronicdevices can be coupled. The electronic devices comprise a desktopmonitor on which the sub-panel housing is coupled by the outer couplingmeans.

The main body panel housing may further comprise an auxiliary displaythat can be viewed even when the cover covers the main body panel.

The sub-panel housing may stack on a front or rear portion of the mainbody panel housing and the coupling means is formed on the front or rearportion of the panel housings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a portable multi-display device accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating sub-panel housing to be connectable;

FIG. 3 is a view of a portable multi-display device where two panelhousings are connected;

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a portable display device of the presentinvention is connected to other information device;

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a separation structure of a cover;

FIG. 6 is a view of a portable multi-display device according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a view of another example of a panel housing connection state;

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b are views illustrating protecting means of a main bodypanel housing;

FIGS. 9 a and 9 b are views illustrating protecting means of a sub-panelhousing;

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a cover receiving space;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of panel housings connected to each other;

FIGS. 12 a and 12 b are views illustrating an end portion of aprotecting cover;

FIGS. 13 a and 13 b are views illustrating another example of a couplingprojection and a coupling groove of a protecting cover;

FIGS. 14 a and 14 b are views illustrating another example of protectingmeans;

FIGS. 15 a and 15 b are views illustrating another example of protectingmeans;

FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a method for protecting connecting meansof the panel housings from moisture;

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a main body panel housing provided at itsside portion with an opening;

FIG. 18 is a view illustrating a method for fixing a display on a panelhousing;

FIGS. 19 a and 19 b are views illustrating a display mounted on achassis;

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating another example of a display mounting;

FIGS. 21 a and 21 b are views illustrating panel housings provided witha side protecting film;

FIG. 22 is an upper view illustrating a state where a display is fixedto a panel housing by a fixing member;

FIG. 23 is a sectional view illustrating a state where two displaysdisposed adjacent to each other;

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a driving structure of a displaydevice of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a process for drive control of thedisplay according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 26 a and 26 b are views illustrating a potable multi-displaydevice according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a view illustrating a main body panel housing provided withfixing means;

FIG. 28 a is a view illustrating a sub-panel housing provided withfixing means;

FIG. 28 b is an enlarged view illustrating a locking device of FIG. 28a;

FIGS. 29 a and 29 b are views illustrating another example of fixingmeans;

FIGS. 30 a and 30 b are views illustrating projection type fixing means;

FIGS. 31 a and 31 b are views illustrating step type fixing means;

FIG. 32 is a view illustrating a portable multi-display device accordingto another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 33 a to 34 are views illustrating the enlargement of a screen asdisplays slide;

FIGS. 35 a and 35 b are views illustrating an upper panel housing and alower panel housing;

FIGS. 36 a and 36 b are views illustrating another example of slidingmeans;

FIGS. 37 to 39 b are views illustrating a portable multi-display deviceaccording to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 40 a and 40 b are views illustrating an example of more than 3displays stacked one another;

FIG. 41 is a view illustrating a state before other expanded devices arecoupled to a main body panel housing;

FIGS. 42 a and 42 b are views illustrating a state where a protectingcover and a side cover are unfolded;

FIG. 43 is a view illustrating a state where expanding devices arecoupled to a main body and a main body panel housing;

FIG. 44 is a block diagram illustrating a state where the expandingdevices are coupled; and

FIGS. 45 a and 45 b are views illustrating an example of an expandingdevice connected to a rear surface of a main body.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be describedhereinafter in conjunction with accompanying drawings.

The present invention provides a portable multi-display device having atleast two flat displays connected to be adjacent to each other so as todefine a large-sized screen effect. As the flat display panels, LCDs,FEDs, PDPs, electric papers and the like can be used.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 shows a portable multi-display device of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the inventive multi-display device comprises amain body panel housing 20 and a display 2. An antenna enablingtransmitting and receiving information may be further provided. Thedisplay 2 is designed expanding to one side end of the main body panelhousing 20.

In addition, the main body panel housing 20 is provided at its onesidewall with a pair of coupling means 22 and 22′. The main body panelhousing 20 can be coupled to a sub-panel housing by the coupling means.

The multi-display device further comprises a flip cover 100 for coveringthe display 2. The flip cover 100 is provided at its outer surface withinput keys 110 and a cover window 100 a so that a part of the displaycan be viewed through the cover window 100 a when the display 2 iscovered by the flip cover 100. The flip cover 100 is designed to coverthe sidewall of the display. A state where the display is covered by theflip cover 100 is shown in a broken line of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 shows a sub-panel housing capable of coupling to the main bodypanel housing.

As shown in the drawing, the sub-panel housing 40 capable of coupling tothe main body panel housing 20 is provided with a pair of coupling means44 and 44′ for coupling to the main body panel housing 20. The couplingmeans 44 and 44′ is designed to be projected out of and inserted in thepanel housing 40 by a lever 42.

FIG. 3 shows a view where the main body panel housing is coupled to thesub-panel housing.

As shown in the FIG. 3, when the main body panel housing 20 is coupledto the sub-panel housing 40, the first and second displays 2 and 4contact each other. As a result, the border between the displays 2 and 4is minimized, whereby the two displays 2 and 4 are driven as if onedisplay.

In addition, cover coupling means for connecting the cover 100 to themain body panel housing 20 has a shaft formed in male and femalestructures so that the cover 100 can be removable from the main bodypanel housing 20.

The panel housing 40 may be further provided with outer coupling means33 for connecting to another information device. As shown in FIG. 4, thedisplay device of the present invention can be coupled on a top of amonitor 300, which is another information device, by the outer couplingmeans 33. Needless to say, provided on the top of the monitor 300 iscoupling means for detachably coupling to the outer information device.

FIG. 5 shows a removing structure of the cover.

As shown in the drawing, the shaft for connecting the cover 100 to thepanel housing 20 comprises a projection shaft 102 and a cap shaft 101.To couple the cover 100 to the panel housing 20, the cap shaft 101 isenfolded around the projection shaft 102. The cap shaft 101 and theprojection shaft 102 are designed in a circular shape so that they canrotate when they are coupled.

FIG. 6 shows another example of the display device of the presentinvention.

In this example, the portable display device comprises the main panelhousing 20 and the sub-panel housing 40. When the main body andsub-panel housings 20 and 40 are coupled, one of the first and seconddisplays 2 and 4 slides such that the first and second displays 2 and 4disposed to be adjacent at their one sides. The main body panel housing20 is provided with a sliding groove 28, and the first display 2 isprovided with a projection (not shown) so that the first display 2 canslides along the sliding groove 28.

FIG. 7 shows another example of a coupling state of the panel hosing.

In this example, the sub-panel housing 40 is stacked on front or rearsurface of the main body panel housing 20. That is, as shown in FIG. 7,formed on the front surface of the sub-panel housing 40 is a couplinggroove 48 by which the sub-panel housing 40 is coupled to the rearsurface of the main body panel housing 20. Although omitted in thedrawing for the descriptive convenience, a coupling projection forcoupling to the coupling groove 48 of the sub-panel housing 40 is formedon the rear surface of the main body panel housing 20.

Embodiment 2

As shown in FIG. 1, when the main body panel housing 20 and thesub-panel housing 40 are disassembled, side portions of the displays 2and 4 are exposed at one side portions of the panel housings 20 and 40.In this embodiment, to protect the exposed side portions of the displays2 and 4, protecting means is provided on the side portions of the panelhousings 20 and 40.

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b show the protecting means of the main body panelhousing 20, in which FIG. 8 a shows a state in which the protectingcover 23 is folded, and FIG. 8 b shows a state in which the protectingcover is unfolded. The protecting covers 23 and 43 are used in thisembodiment as the protecting means.

The protecting cover 23 of the main body panel housing 20 is designed tobe foldable. The protecting cover 23 can be separated in two shaftportions. A cover shaft 23 a synchronizes with the protecting cover 23and a panel housing shaft 23 b is fixed on the panel housing 20.

A grip 26 formed in a stripe groove is formed on the protecting cover 23so that it is convenient to open and close the protecting cover 23. Inaddition, when the protecting cover 23 is unfolded on the main bodypanel housing 20, a coupling projection 25 of the protecting cover 23 isinterlocked with a coupling groove 21 of the main body panel housing sothat the protecting cover 23 can be securely coupled on the main bodypanel housing 20.

In addition, a cover receiving space 27 is defined on the side portionof the main body panel housing 20 where the protecting cover 23 isprovided so as to receive the protecting cover 43 of the sub-panelhousing 40. Formed on the panel housing 20 is also coupling means 22 and22′ for coupling to the sub-panel housing 40.

FIGS. 9 a and 9 b shows the protecting means of the sub-panel housing40, in which FIG. 9 a is a state where the protecting cover 43 of thesub-panel housing 40 is unfolded, and FIG. 9 b is a state where theprotecting cover 43 is folded.

The protecting cover 43 of the sub-panel housing 40 is also providedwith a groove-shaped grip 46, and the panel housing 40 is provided witha coupling groove 41. In addition, formed on a lower end of thesub-panel housing 40 is a cover receiving space 47 for receiving theprotecting cover 23 of the main body panel housing 20. A cover shaft 43a of the protecting cover 43 synchronizes with the protecting cover 43,and a panel housing shaft 43 b is fixed on the panel housing 40.

FIG. 10 shows the cover receiving space more in detail.

The cover receiving space may be defined on a side portion of the panelhousing as shown in FIG. 8 b or on a lower end of the panel housing asshown in FIG. 10. The cover receiving space 47 is provided with a guiderail 47 a along which the protecting cover 23 of the main body panelhousing 20 slides.

FIG. 11 shows a panel housing coupling state.

A variety of parts 29 and 49 such as a CPU and a circuit board isprovided in the panel housing.

The protecting cover 23 of the main body panel housing 20 is received inthe cover receiving space 47 defined on the sub-panel housing 40, andthe protecting cover 43 of the sub-panel housing 40 is received in thecover receiving space 27 of the main body panel housing 20.

In addition, an example having two panel housings is embodied in thisembodiment, three or more panels housings can be provided in a sameconcept.

FIGS. 12 a and 12 b show a section of the protecting covers 23 and 43,in which FIG. 12 a is a state where the protecting cover is folded andFIG. 12 b is a state where the protecting cover is unfolded.

In this example, there is provided a hooking means for preventing thepanel housings 20 and 40 from bending more than 90° when the protectingcovers 23 and 43 are unfolded. As the hooking means, a section of one ofthe cover shafts 23 a and 43 a is formed at a right angle. In addition,when the protecting covers 23 and 43 are folded, the protecting covers23 and 43 are designed to be higher than the surfaces of the displays 2and 4 when the protecting covers 23 and 43 are folded, thereby enhancingthe protecting efficiency for the displays 2 and 4.

FIGS. 13 a and 13 b shows another examples of the coupling projectionand the coupling groove of the protecting cover, in which FIG. 13 ashows the coupling projections 25 and 45 with a concave structure, andFIG. 13 b shows a locking device.

In this example, the coupling projections 25 and 45 are designed to bethe concave structure, and the locking devices 21 a and 41 a areprovided in the coupling grooves 21 and 41. The coupling projections 25and 45 are fixed by elastic force of the locking devices 21 a and 41 a.

FIGS. 14 a and 14 b shows another example of the protecting means. Theprotecting covers 23 and 43 is designed to, when they are folded,protect the exposed side portions of the displays 2 and 4 and to, whenthey are unfolded, locate on a lower end of the panel housings.

FIG. 14 a shows a state where the protecting covers 23 and 43 arefolded, and FIG. 14 b shows a state unfolded. As shown in the drawing,the protecting covers 23 and 43 are formed in a drawer-type so that theprotecting covers 23 and 43 can be withdrawn out of and received in thelower end of the panel housings.

The protecting covers 23 and 43 should be designed such that they can begently located on an inner portion of an extension line of the sidesurface of the panel housings 20 and 40 when they are received in thecover receiving spaces 27 and 47. That is, when two panel housings arecoupled with their adjacent side portions contacting each other, theprotecting covers 23 and 43 should not affect on they coupling.

FIGS. 15 a and 15 b show another example of the protecting means.

In this example, the protecting covers 23 and 43 pivots to be located ona lower end of the panel housings. That is, the protecting covers 23 and43 are to be closely located on the lower end the panel housing whenthey are unfolded. The protecting covers 23 and 43 are designed to bepivotable at more than 2700 so that they can be attached on the lowerend of the panel housings 20 and 40.

In addition, for the pivoting operation of the protecting covers 23 and43, there are provided panel housing shafts 23 b and 43 b connected tothe panel housings and cover shafts 23 a and 43 a connected to theprotecting covers. When the protecting covers 23 and 43 are attached onlower ends of the panel housings, the protecting covers 23 and 43 andthe shafts are located on an inner portion of the extension line of theside portions of the panel housings 20 and 40.

FIG. 16 shows a method for protecting the coupling means of the panelhousing from moisture.

As shown in the drawing, elastic seal caps 22 b and 22 b′ are fitted inrectangular grooves of the coupling means 22 and 22′ provided on themain body panel housing 20. At this point, the elastic seal caps 22 band 22 b′ are formed of elastic material such as rubber. The elasticseal caps 22 b and 22 b′ are fitted protruding so that the seal effectcan be enhanced while being reduced in its volume. Accordingly, when theprotecting cover 23 or the sub-panel housing 40 is attached on a sideportion of the main body panel housing 20, a seal effect for protectingthe coupling means from moisture can be obtained. In addition, the sealcaps 22 b and 22 b′ may be provided on the protecting cover 23 and canbe provided on the sub-panel housing 40 in an identical manner.

Embodiment 3

The portable multi-display device of the present invention is providedat its side portion with an opening for mounting the display in thepanel housing. The display is mounted on the side portion of the panelhousing on which the opening is formed.

FIG. 17 shows a main body panel housing provided with the opening.

As shown in the drawing, the panel cover 24 is detachably coupled to anupper end of the main body panel housing 20. An opening is formed on aside portion 20 b of the main body panel housing 20 provided with ajoint portion 2′. The display 2 and the display drive circuit 2 a aredisposed on the side portion 20 b provided with the opening. Inaddition, another side portion 20 a of the panel housing is providedwith a display support 10 for fixedly supporting the display 2. The mainbody panel housing 20 is provided at its lower end with a lower support12 for supporting a main body circuit board 2 b.

FIG. 18 shows a method for fixing the display on the panel housing.

The display 2 is enclosed by a chassis 16 provided with a fixing member16 b for fixing the chassis 16 and the display 2 on the main body panelhousing 20. When the chassis 16 is fixed, the panel cover 24 covers anon-display area of the display 2. As a result, the display 2 is mountedin the opening formed on the side portion 20 b of the panel housing 20provided with the coupling means 22 and 22′, while being exposed throughthe opening.

FIGS. 19 a and 19 b show the display mounted on the chassis.

As shown in FIG. 19 a, the display 2 together with the display drivecircuit 2 a is mounted inside the chassis 16. Although omitted in thedrawing, a backlight system may be mounted inside the chassis 16.

FIG. 19 b is a sectional view of FIG. 19 a. A display assembly havingthe display 2, the display drive circuit 2 a and the backlight system 2c is mounted inside the chassis 16. The integrated chassis 16 enclosesthe display assembly. The integrated chassis 16 is not a single body butdivided into a body and a cover that are assembled to each other by ascrew so as to define a single unit. The chassis 16 is made of aplastic, a metal plate, or an aluminum plate.

In addition, a side portion of the display 2 is only enclosed by thechassis 16 in a portion of the joint portion 2′ so as to minimize thejoint portion when two displays is driven as if a single display bycontacting each other.

FIG. 20 shows another example of a display mounting.

In this example, the display 2 and the display drive circuit 2 a aremounted on the plate type support 17 that is mounted on the panelhousing 20. The support 17 is provided with a fixing projection 17 b bywhich the panel housing 20 is fixed.

The support 17 is shown as a rectangular shape in FIG. 20, not limitingthe present invention. That is, the support 17 is not limited to therectangular shape.

FIGS. 21 a and 21 b show a panel housing provided with a side protectingfilm.

FIG. 21 a is a schematic view of the panel housing 20 having the sideprotecting film 20 c. For the convenience in the description, otherparts are omitted but only the panel housing 20 is illustrated. In FIG.21 a, the opening is depicted in a dotted-line.

The side protecting film 20 c is formed of a thin resin film, a plasticfilm, or a thin metal plate which is different from that of the panelhousing 20. Preferably, the thickness of the side protecting film 20 cis less than 1 mm.

FIG. 21 b is a sectional view of the panel housing 20 having the sideprotecting film 20 c. The side protecting film 20 c is provided on thejoint side portion 20 b of the panel housing 20 to protect the display 2exposed through the panel housing 20. A variety of parts and a main bodycircuit board 29 is loaded in the panel housing 20. In addition, thedisplay assembly is loaded on the support 17 and located on the upperend of the panel housing side portion 20 b having the joint portion 2′.

FIG. 22 shows an upper view of the panel housing to which the display isfixed by the fixing projection. A manner for disposing the joint portion2′ of the display 2 on an extension line of the joint side portion 20 bof the panel housing 20. The extension line can be considered to bevariable within a range of ±1 mm.

In addition, a protecting plate or a protecting film may be provided toprotect the side portion of the display 2. Accordingly, the side portionof the main body panel housing 20 and the side portion of the protectingplate or film may be located on an identical line.

As shown in FIG. 22, the display 2 may be removed away through theopening of the panel housing 20. Therefore, in the present invention, afixing member 16 b fixed on the hooking means 20 d of the panel housing20 is provided.

In FIG. 22, the fixing member 16 b is formed in a projection type, notlimiting the present invention. That is, the fixing member 16 b can beformed in a screw type fixed on the panel housing 20. At this point, thehooking means is formed in a screw groove.

As shown in FIG. 22, a distance k from the display side portion of thejoint portion 2′ to the fixing member 16 b is identical to that frompanel housing side portion 20 b to the hooking means 20 d.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view illustrating two displays contacting eachother at their one side portion.

An LCD, which is one of the flat displays, comprises upper and lowersubstrates 15 and 15 a disposed opposing each other. Transparentelectrodes 19 are coated on the substrates 15 and 15 a. In addition, aliquid crystal layer 15 b is disposed between the transparent electrodes19. Polarizers 15′ and 15 a′ are attached on the outer surfaces of thesubstrates 15 and 15 a. When the flat display is an EL, a singlesubstrate may be provided.

As shown in FIG. 23, the upper and lower substrates 15 and 15 a areassembled and sealed by sealants 24 a and 24 b. At this point, thesealant 24 a of the joint portion 2′ is disposed adjacent to a pixelelectrode 19.

The sealant 24 a of the joint portion 2′ should be designed having aminimized width less than, for example, about 0.8 mm. A side portionprotecting film 20 c is attached around the joint portion sealant 24 a(when the display is enclosed by the chassis 16, the chassis 16functions as the side portion protecting film 20 c). At this point, thethickness of the side portion protecting film 20 c is preferably lessthan 0.8 mm. Accordingly, in the present invention, when more than twodisplays realize a single screen by being adjacent to each other, thejoint portion which is the non-display area becomes less than 3.2 mm,thereby providing an effect of a single screen using two adjacentdisplays.

Embodiment 4

When the main body panel housing 20 is coupled to the sub-panel housing40, a coupling detecting sensor of the main body panel housing 20detects a projection sensor of the sub-panel housing 40, and then theCPU disposed in the main body panel housing 20 automatically detects thecoupling state of the panel housings 20 and 40.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a display drive of the displaydevice of the present invention in a state where the main body panelhousing 20 and the sub-panel housing 40 are coupled.

In the multi-display device of the present invention, a storage devicesuch as a memory is provided in the sub-panel housing 40 to enhance thefunction of the main body panel housing 20. At this point, the storagedevice disposed in the sub-panel housing 40 is coupled by a circuit tothe CPU of the main body panel housing 20.

In the drawing, the CPU 200 is control means for controlling overalloperation of the multi-display device of the present invention. A ROM210 controls the display operating program, a RAM 220 stores the datagenerated when the program is operated, and a EEP ROM 230 stores thedata which are required for the users, and which are needed forprocessing that data.

An R/F part 240 is a radio frequency to synchronize with an RF channel,amplify input sound signal, and convert the RF signal received from theantenna into a medium frequency signal. An input part 250 comprisesnumeric keys, menu keys, and selection keys. That is, the button keys110 in FIG. 1, the input keys 110 in FIG. 26 b, and a touch panel thatmay be disposed on the display are generally represented by the inputpart 250.

There are display drive circuits 2 a and 4 a for driving the displays bythe output of the CPU 200, and are first and second displays 2 and 4 fordisplaying the information on a screen by an output signal of thedisplay drive circuits (the display disposed on the main body panelhousing 20 is a first display, and the display disposed on the sub-panelhousing 40 is a second display). The second drive circuit 4 a and thesecond display 4 are coupled to the CPU 200 by coupling means 22 and22′.

A coupling detecting sensor 22 a detects if the main body panel housing20 is coupled to the sub-panel housing 40. When the panel housings arecoupled, the coupling detecting sensor 22 a detects the projectionsensor 44 a and transmits the detected signal to the CPU 200. That is,in a circularly opened state, when the coupling detecting sensor 22 acontacts the projection sensor 44 a, it is circularly closed so as torealize the electric flow. As the coupling detecting sensor 22 a, avariety of sensors such as an optical sensor can be selected.

FIG. 25 shows a flowchart illustrating a drive control method for thedisplay according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.This flowchart shows a control process for selectively driving the firstand second displays 2 and 4 respectively provided on the main body panelhousing 20 and the sub-panel housing 40 as the main body panel housing20 is coupled to or separated from the sub-panel housing 40.

When a user turns the power switch on, the radio frequency signalreceived from the antenna is transmitted to the CPU 200 through the R/Fpart 240. In addition, when a specific function is set through the inputpart 250, the CPU 200 performs the specific function and outputs asignal for driving the displays 2 and 4 to the display drive circuits 2a and 4 a. In addition, the coupling detecting sensor 22 a detects ifthe main body panel housing 20 is coupled to the sub-panel housing 40and transmits the corresponding signal to the CPU 200.

The flowchart depicted in FIG. 25 will be described hereinafter on thebasis of the above-described circuit.

It is determined if the power switch is turned on (S310). When the powerswitch is turned on, the CPU 200 uses the coupling detecting sensor 22 ato determine if the panel housings are coupled (S312). That is, it isdetermined if the main body panel housing 20 is coupled to the sub-panelhousing 40.

When the panel housings are coupled to each other, it is determined if asingle display mode or a simple mode is selected (S314). The selectionof the single display mode or the simple mode is realized through theinput part 250. That is, the single display mode or the simple modeenables for the user to select one of the first and second displays 2and 4 when a simple function such as calculation function and pocketfunction is required. In addition, when a complex function such asInternet is performed, two displays are required.

When one of the single display mode and the simple mode is selectedthrough the input part 250, the selection state is output from the inputpart 250 to the CPU 200. When both of the single display mode and thesimple mode are not selected, all of the displays are driven (S316).

In addition, when the CPU 200 detects that the panel housings are notcoupled to each other from the coupling detecting sensor 22 a, only thefirst display is driven. When only one of the modes is selected, onlythe first display is driven (S318).

Here, the drive of the first display does not means that simply only onedisplay is driven but means that a display mode is different from thecase where two displays are all driven. For example, a display mode fora simple pocket function or a transmission of e-mail is different from acomplex mode for Internet or a graphic. That is, a display mode or adesign is different from that for driving two displays.

Although not illustrated in the block diagram, when the display is anLCD, since the power source for the backlight system can be selectivelycut-off, the user can selectively supply the power for the backlightsystem.

Embodiment 5

FIGS. 26 a and 26 b show another embodiment of the multi-display deviceof the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 26 a, a sub-display 2 d is provided in the main bodypanel housing 20. The sub-display 2 d is viewed even when the cover 100is folded. That is, the cover 100 is provided with a cover window 100 a.In addition, the main body panel housing 20 is provided with a coversensor 100 b so as to detect if the cover 100 is folded or not.

FIG. 26 b shows the folded cover 100. The input key 110 is formed on anouter surface of the cover 100 and even when the cover 100 is folded,the sub-display 2 d is viewed through the cover window 100 a.

Accordingly, when the cover 100 is folded, the CPU 200 detects throughthe cover sensor 100 b that the cover 100 is folded to drive thesub-display 2 d. This operation method is similar to that depicted inFIGS. 24 and 25.

In this embodiment, although only two panel housings are exampled forthe convenience, the identical method can be applied even when more thantree panel housings are provided.

Embodiment 6

When the panel housings 20 and 40 are coupled only by the coupling means22, 22′, 44 and 44′, the mechanical reliability deteriorates. Therefore,in this embodiment, fixing means 30 and 30′ formed in a projectionmember is provided on the panel housing so as to enhance the mechanicalcoupling reliability.

FIG. 27 shows a main body panel housing provided with fixing means.

The main body panel housing 20 is provided with fixing means 30 and 30′which are to be inserted into the sub-panel housing 40 to securelymaintain the coupling state of the panel housings.

The fixing means 30 and 30′ can be inserted into or projected out of themain ,body panel housing 20 by a lever 42. That is, the fixing means andthe coupling means 22 are simultaneously operated by the single lever42. The fixing means 30′ and the coupling means 22′ can be also insertedinto or projected out of the main body panel housing 20 by a singlelever 42′ (disposed on an opposing side of the lever 42 and omitted inthe drawing).

As shown in FIG. 27, the fixing means 30 and 30′ are mounted in aprojected wall type on a peripheral sidewall of the main body panelhousing 20. In addition, the fixing means 30 and 30′ are provided with alocking groove 30 a so as to function as a locking device when the mainbody panel housing 20 is coupled to the sub-panel housing 40.

In addition, protecting means 23 (see a broken line in the drawing) isfurther provided. The protecting means 23 is provided inside the fixingmeans 30 and 30′ as shown in FIG. 27. That is, the protecting means 23is mounted on the panel housing 20 so as not to cover and interfere thefixing means 30 and 30′.

FIG. 28 a shows a sub-panel housing provided with fixing means and FIG.28 b shows an enlarged view of a locking device of FIG. 28 a.

As shown in FIG. 28 a, the sub-panel housing 40 is provided with fixinggrooves 50 and 50′ in which the fixing means 30 and 30′ of the main bodypanel housing 20 are inserted.

The sub-panel housing 40 is further provided with a locking device 51.As shown in FIG. 28 b, the locking device 51 comprises a locking button51 a, a locking lever 51 b and a locking projection 51 c. The fixinggroove 30 a of the main body panel housing 20 is coupled to the lockingprojection 51 c.

Accordingly, when the main body panel housing 20 and the sub-panelhousing 40 are coupled to each other, the locking projection 51 c iscoupled to the locking groove 30 a, thereby realizing a lockingstructure. In addition, when the locking button 51 a is pushed, thelocking projection 51 c moves upward on the basis of the locking lever51 b. In addition, the locking device 51′ having an identical functionto the locking device 51 is also provided on an opposing side of thelocking device 51. Therefore, to completely separate the main body panelhousing 20 and the sub-panel housing 40 from each other, all of thebuttons provided on the locking devices 51 and 51′ should be all pushed.

At this point, the main body panel housing 20 is pushed away from thesub-panel housing 40 by elastic devices 52 and 52′, thereby releasingthe coupling state between the main body panel housing 20 and thesub-panel housing 40.

Likewise, protecting means for protecting the side portion of thedisplay exposed through the panel housing 40 can be also provided (seebroken line in the drawing).

FIGS. 29 a and 29 b show another example of the fixing means.

As shown in FIG. 29 a, a rectangular projection which is fixing means 30and 30′, is formed around the coupling means 22 and 22′ formed in apin-shape. As shown in FIG. 29 b, the sub-panel housing 40 is providedat its side portion with groove type coupling means 44 and 44′ andfixing grooves 50 and 50′.

FIGS. 30 a and 30 b show the fixing means formed in a projection type,in which FIG. 30 a shows a main body panel housing and FIG. 30 b shows asub-panel housing.

Four fixing means 30 and 30′ are provided on the peripheral portion forproviding the stability. Four fixing grooves 50 and 50′ corresponding tothe fixing means are also formed on a side peripheral portion of thesub-panel housing 40.

In addition, the main body panel housing 20 is provided at its couplingsurface with shock absorbing means 31 for protecting the display whenthe panel housing is coupled and separated. That is, a longitudinalgroove is formed on the side potion of the main body panel housing 20,and the shock absorbing means 31 such as a sponge is disposed in thelongitudinal groove. The shock absorbing means 31 is elevated from thesurface of the panel housing 20, but when outer force is appliedthereto, it is reduced to a surface identical to the surface of thepanel housing. Therefore, the shock absorbing means 31 is made of thesponge or rubber that is reduced in its volume when being applied withpressure. In addition, the shock absorbing means 31 can be provided allthree exposed surfaces of the display.

FIGS. 31 a and 31 b show another example of the fixing means, which isformed in a step type. FIG. 31 shows the main body panel housing andFIG. 31 b shows the sub-panel housing.

In this example, the fixing means 30 and 30′ that is formed in a steptype is formed on a peripheral portion of the coupling surface of thepanel housing. The step type fixing means 30 and 30′ are correspondinglyformed to each other such that they can be interlocked. As shown in FIG.27, a locking device 51 may be further provided to the fixing means 30and 30′. Fixing grooves 50 and 50′ are formed on the sub-panel housing40. Locking projections 51 c and 51 c′ are coupled to locking grooves 30a and 30 a′. The locking is released by locking buttons 51 a and 51 a′.

In this embodiment, although two panel housings are exampled for thedescriptive convenience, more than three panel housings can be coupledin an identical manner.

Embodiment 7

FIG. 32 shows another embodiment of the portable multi-display device ofthe present invention. At least two displays are stacked. When thedisplays slide from each other to enlarge the screen, a side portion ofdisplay joint portion where the displays are disposed adjacent eachother is protected by a protecting cover.

As shown in the drawing, the upper panel housing 20 is provided with theupper display 2, and the lower panel housing 40 is provided with thelower display 4 and connected to a main body 160 by a housing 55 and aconnecting portion 6 a. The main body 160 is provided with the menu keysand the button keys.

FIGS. 33 a and 33 b show the displays that slide from each other toenlarge the screen.

As shown in FIG. 33 a, the upper panel housing 20 having the upperdisplay 2 is stacked on the lower panel hosing 40 having the lowerdisplay 4. The housing 55 fixes the upper and panel housings 20 and 40.

Using a grip 46 shown in FIG. 33 a, when the user slides the lower panelhousing 40 in the arrow direction, as shown in FIG. 33 b, the lowerdisplay is spread to enlarge the screen. At this point, the protectingcover 43 is connected to the lower panel housing 40 such that it canmove together with the lower panel housing 40.

In addition, when the user slides up the lower panel housing 40 in thearrow direction, as shown in FIG. 34, the lower and upper displays 4 and2 are disposed adjacent each other so as to provide a single screeneffect.

At this point, when the protecting cover 43 is pushed, it is received inthe lower panel housing 40. That is, when the upper and lower displays 2and 4 are spread, it can be possible to receive the protecting cover 43in the lower panel housing 40 as shown in FIG. 32.

FIGS. 35 a and 35 b show the upper and lower panel housings.

The housing 55 is provided at its inner side with a sliding groove 55 aalong which the lower panel housing 40 slides horizontally. Althoughomitted in the drawing, formed on the lower panel housing 40 is a slingprojection moving along the sliding groove 55 a.

In addition, the lower panel housing 40 slides vertically so as to befinally coupled to the upper panel housing 20. At this point, thecoupling means 44 provided on the lower panel housing 20 is coupled tothe coupling means 22 (shown in a broken line in the drawing) providedon the upper panel housing 20.

In addition, the coupling means 44 of the lower panel housing 40 isprovided with a coupling slide groove 44 i enabling the lower panelhousing 40 to slide vertically with respect to the upper panel housing20. The coupling means 22 of the upper panel housing 20 is also providedwith a slide projection moving along the coupling slide groove 44 i.

In addition, when the upper display 2 is stacked on the lower display 2,the protecting cover 43 covers a side portion of the joint portion 8′ ofthe displays. When the upper displays 2 is disposed adjacent to thelower display 4 on a same plan, the protecting cover 43 does not coverthe joint portion 8′.

That is, When the upper and lower displays 2 and 4 slide in a state theyare stacked, the protecting cover 43 is also moved not to cover thejoint portion 8′.

In addition, since a portion A of the housing 55 (see FIG. 35 a) isblocked, the joint portion 8′ of the lower display 4 can be also coveredwhen the upper and lower panel housings are stacked.

When the coupling means 44 is coupled, the upper and lower panelhousings 20 and 40 are interconnected by a circuit by a connecting pin44 b. That is, the connecting pin 44 b functions a circuit connector.Accordingly, the upper panel housing 20 is also provided with a circuitconnecting means corresponding to the connecting pin 44 b.

Accordingly, when the upper and lower panel housings 20 and 40 arestacked, they are not interconnected by a circuit, but when being spreadto be adjacent each other, they are interconnected by the circuit by thecircuit connecting means.

As shown in FIG. 33 a, when the protecting cover 43 covers the sideportion of the joint portion 8′, it is designed having a symmetrystructure to the opposite side to obtain the fine view effect.

FIGS. 36 a and 36 b show another example of the sliding means.

As shown in FIG. 36 a, the coupling means 44 is provided with a couplinggear 44 c. As shown in FIG. 36 b, an electric motor 44 h, a motor shaft44 e and a coupling belt 44 d are provided in the connecting portion 6a. The coupling bent 44 d is engaged with the coupling gear 44 c so asto provide the sliding movement to the lower panel housing 40 in ahorizontal direction by the operation of the motor 44 h.

That is, in a state where the upper and lower panel housings 20 and 40are stacked as shown in FIG. 33 a, the panel housings slide from eachother by the power of the motor 44 h, thereby the panel housings arespread in the stepped structure as shown in FIG. 33 b.

Embodiment 8

FIGS. 37 to 39 b show another embodiment of the portable multi-displaydevice of the present invention.

FIG. 37 shows that the upper panel housing 20 is stacked on the lowerpanel housing 40. At this point, when the upper panel housing 20 slideshorizontally, the upper and lower panel housings 20 and 40 are spread ina stepped structure as shown in FIG. 38. The horizontal sliding movementis realized along a sliding groove 55 a formed on the housing 55 onwhich the lower panel housing 40 is mounted.

In a state where the upper and lower panel housings 20 and 40 are spreadin the stepped structure, when the upper panel housing 20 slides in thevertical direction, the upper and lower displays 2 and 4 are disposedadjacent each other as shown in FIG. 39 a, thereby providing an enlargedsingle screen.

At this point, the protecting cover 43 mounted on the lower panelhousing 40 covers the side portion of the joint portion 8′ of the upperdisplay 2 when the lower and upper panel housings 40 and 20 are stacked.In addition, the protecting cover 23 provided on the upper panel housing20 covers the side portion of the joint portion 8′ of the lower display4. The protecting cover does not cover the side portion of the jointportion when the displays are spread. The protecting cover 23 may bedesigned to cover the coupling means 44.

As shown in FIG. 39 b, the protecting cover 23 provided on the upperpanel housing 20 is located in a state where it is folded, and theprotecting cover 43 provided on the lower panel housing 40 is receivedin the lower panel housing.

Embodiment 9

FIGS. 40 a and 40 b show another embodiment of the portablemulti-display device of the present invention, in which more than threedisplays are stacked one another.

As shown in FIG. 40 a, stacked between the upper and lower panel housing20 and 40 is an intermediate panel housing 60.

In addition, when the upper panel housing 20 is designed to horizontallyslide rightward in the drawing and the lower panel housing 40 ishorizontally designed to slide leftward in the drawing, three displays2, 4 and 6 are spread on the basis of the intermediate display 6provided on the intermediate panel housing 60. That is, as shown in FIG.40, the displays 2, 4 and 6 are spread in a stepped structure.

At this point, the protecting cover 43 of the lower panel housing 40covers the left joint portion 8′ of the intermediate display and thejoint portion 8′ of the upper display 2. In addition, the protectingcover 23 of the upper panel housing 20 covers the right joint portion 8′of the intermediate display 6. In addition, the joint portion 8′ of theupper display 2 is covered by the housing 55.

When the upper display 2 slides down to the intermediate display 6 andthe lower display 4 slides up to the intermediate display 6, the upperand lower displays 2 and 4 and the intermediate display 6 get to beadjacent each other, realizing the enlarged single screen.

Embodiment 10

An input device or an I.C. can be separately coupled to the main body160 in an identical method to that for coupling the displays 2 and 4.

FIG. 41 shows the main body panel housing and the main body before otherexpanding devices are coupled thereto.

The main body panel housing 20 is connected to the main body 160 by theconnecting portion 6 a and is provided with the protecting cover 23 andthe grip 26. The main body 160 is provided with the input keys 110 andthe button keys 70. The main body 160 is further provided at its sideportion with a side cover 103 and a grip 106. In addition, theprotecting cover 23 and the side cover 103 may be formed on both sidesof the main body 160.

FIGS. 42 a and 42 b show a state where the protecting cover and the sidecover are opened.

As shown in FIG. 42 a, the side cover 103 provided in the main body 16 ois designed to be closed and opened by a main body shaft 103 a. When theside cover 103 is opened, the main body connecting portion 112 isexposed.

The protecting cover 23 of the main body panel housing can be opened asshown in FIG. 42 b. When the protecting 23 is opened, the protectingcover 23 is spread inline, thereby exposing the fixing means 30 and thecoupling means 22. At this point, a part of the protecting cover 23 iscut away so that the fixing means 30 can be provided.

That is, when the protecting cover 23 is closed, the fixing means 30 islocated in the fixing means groove 38 and the cover shaft 23 a and thepanel housing shaft 23 b are projected. At this point, since a shaftgroove 43 a′ is provided on the main body panel housing 20, when themain body panel housing 20 and the sub-panel housing 40 are coupled toeach other, the cover shaft 43 a and the panel housing shaft 43 b arelocated in the shaft groove 43 a′. Likewise, the sub-panel housing 40 isalso provided with a shaft groove in which the cover shaft 23 a and thepanel housing shaft 23 b of the main body panel housing 20 are inserted.

FIG. 43 shows the main body and the main body panel housing to whichexpanding devices care coupled.

Two displays 2 and 4 are coupled to be adjacent each other. The inputdevice 18 is coupled to the main body 160. The input device 18 can be adigitizer or a touch panel. At this point, another sub-display may bemounted on a lower end of the input device 18.

The input device 18 is coupled through the main body connecting portion112. The extended portion 150 is also provided with a connecting portion(not shown) connectable to the main body connecting portion 112.

In addition, the extended portion 150 provided with the input device 18can be further provided with a memory device. Accordingly, when theextended portion 150 is coupled, the function of the main body 160 isimproved.

In addition, displays can be further expanded by the protecting cover 23disposed on both sides of the main body panel housing 20. Likewise, anextended portion 150 may be further mounted through the side cover 103provided on both sides of the main body 160.

FIG. 44 shows a block diagram with the extended device. An additionalmemory 270 and an additional input device 18 are connected to the CPU200 by the main body connecting portion 112.

FIGS. 45 a and 45 b show the main body, to a rear side of which theextended device is connected.

Generally, on the rear side of the main body, a battery 130 is mounted.At this point, connecting grooves 120 a, 120 b and 120 c are provided onthe rear portions of the main body and the battery 130 so that theextended portion 150 can be coupled to the connecting grooves. At thispoint, the connecting grooves 120 a and 120 b are provided with circuitconnecting means.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be as exemplary only, with a true scope of the invention beingindicated by the following claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, the inventive portable multi-display devicecomprises a main body panel housing and a sub-panel housing each havinga display. The panel housings are designed to be separable from andconnectable to each other, a range of a border between the displays whenthe panel housings are interconnected being minimized so that thedisplays can be shown as if it is driven as a single screen. Therefore,it can provide a convenience in use thereof.

1. A portable multi-display device comprising: a main body panel housinghaving a first display; a sub-panel housing having a second display; andcoupling means for coupling the main body panel housing to the sub-panelhousing such that at least one sides of the first display and the seconddisplay are designed adjacent to each other; and wherein a centralprocess unit in the main body panel housing controls the display ofsub-panel housing when the sub-panel housing is coupled to the main bodypanel housing, but when un-coupled, the main body panel housing can beused independently.
 2. A portable multi-display device of claim 1wherein a side portion of the main body panel housing and a side portionof the first display are disposed on a same plane.
 3. A portablemulti-display device of claim 1 wherein a separable or foldable cover isformed on the main body panel housing.
 4. A portable multi-displaydevice of claim 3 wherein the cover is provided with an input key.
 5. Aportable multi-display device of claim 1 wherein when the main bodypanel housing is coupled to the sub-panel housing, at least one of themain and sub displays slides to be disposed adjacent to another display.6. A portable multi-display device of claim 1 wherein the panel housingscomprise outer coupling means to which electronic devices can becoupled.
 7. A portable multi-display device of claim 1 wherein thesub-panel housing is coupled to and stacked on a front or rear side ofthe main body panel housing.
 8. A portable multi-display device of claim1 further comprising protecting means or protecting side portions of thedisplays, which are exposed through side portions of the panel housings.9. A portable multi-display device of claim 8 wherein the protectingmeans comprises a foldable protecting cover.
 10. A portablemulti-display device of claim 8 wherein the panel housings are providedwith a cover receiving space in which the protecting means is received.11. A portable multi-display device of claim 8 further comprising asealing cap for protecting the coupling means of side portions of thepanel housings.
 12. A portable multi-display device of claim 8 whereinwhen the protecting means is folded, a height of the protecting means isgreater than the display.
 13. A portable multi-display device of claim 1wherein the displays are disposed on tops of side portions of the panelhousings.
 14. A portable multi-display device of claim 13 wherein anopening is formed on a side portion of a joint portion of the panelhousings, and the displays are disposed on the side portion where theopening is formed.
 15. A portable multi-display device of claim 13wherein the display is fixed on the panel housing by a chassis enclosingthe display and a display drive circuit, and the chassis is providedwith a fixing member.
 16. A portable multi-display device of claim 15wherein the chassis is formed in an integral type which encloses a sideportion of the display at the joint portion of the panel housing.
 17. Aportable multi-display device of claim 13 wherein the display and thedisplay drive circuit are mounted on a support, and the support ismounted on the side portion of the joint portion of the panel housing.18. A portable multi-display device of claim 15 wherein a distance froma display side portion of the joint portion to the fixing member isidentical to that from a panel housing side portion of the joint portionto fixing member hooking means.
 19. A portable multi-display device ofclaim 1 wherein a non-display area formed by two displays contactingeach other at their one side portion is less than 3.2 mm.
 20. A portablemulti-display device of claim 13 wherein the display comprises upper andlower substrates and sealant for sealing the upper and lower substrates,the sealant being disposed adjacent to electrodes at the joint portion.21. A portable multi-display device of claim 1 further comprisingcoupling detecting means for detecting a coupling state of the panelhousings and a central process unit for selectively driving the displaysaccording to a signal from the coupling detecting means or a modeselection signal.
 22. A portable multi-display device of claim 21wherein a cover is mounted on at least one of the panel housings, andfurther comprises a cover sensor for detecting a closing/opening stateof the cover.
 23. A portable multi-display device of claim 22 furthercomprising a sub-display controlled by the central process unitaccording to a signal from the cover sensor.
 24. A portablemulti-display device of claim 1 further comprising fixing means forsecurely maintaining the coupling state of the panel housings.
 25. Aportable multi-display device of claim 24 wherein the fixing means isprovided with a locking device.
 26. A portable multi-display device ofclaim 24 wherein the fixing means is formed in an elevated wall.
 27. Aportable multi-display device of claim 24 wherein the fixing means is aprojection member.
 28. A portable multi-display device of claim 24wherein the fixing means is a step formed on a coupling surface of thepanel housing.
 29. A portable multi-display device of claim 9 wherein aportion of the protecting cover is cut away so that the fixing means canbe located.
 30. A portable multi-display device of claim 9 wherein theprotecting cover is spread inline.
 31. A portable multi-display deviceof claim 1 further comprising shock absorbing means formed on a couplingside of the panel housing.
 32. A portable multi-display device of claim1 wherein from a state the displays are stacked one another, thedisplays slide from each other to enlarge the screen with their one sideportion contacting each other, wherein a protecting cover is provided tocover a side portion of a joint portion formed at a contacting portionof the displays.
 33. A portable multi-display device of claim 1 whereina sliding movement of the displays is performed by a motor.
 34. Aportable multi-display device of claim 32 wherein when the displays arestacked, the displays are not interconnected by a circuit and when thedisplays are disposed to be adjacent to each other at their one sideportion, the displays are interconnected by a circuit connector.
 35. Aportable multi-display device of claim 32 further comprising anintermediate display stacked between the displays, wherein when thedisplays are spread in opposite directions horizontally, an enlargedsingle screen is realized.
 36. A portable multi-display device of claim1 wherein an extended portion is coupled to the main body.
 37. Aportable multi-display device of claim 36 wherein a memory, an inputdevice or a display is mounted on the extended portion.
 38. A portablemulti-display device of claim 36 wherein the extended portion is mountedon a front or rear portion of the main body.
 39. A portablemulti-display device of claim 36 wherein another extended portion isfurther mounted on both sides of the main body.
 40. A portablemulti-display device of claim 1 wherein a display is extended on bothsides of the main body panel housing.
 41. A method for driving aportable multi-display device, comprising the steps of: coupling orseparating at least two displays by a circuit; detecting a couplingstate of the displays and transmitting a corresponding signal to acentral process unit; selecting one of a single display mode and asimple display mode through an input device; and controlling thedisplays according to the transmitted signal or the selected displaymode in the central process unit to display the single display mode orthe simple display mode.